University of Tasmania

Bachelor of Arts (Classics)

Are you curious about the depravity of Roman emperors or the vengeful natures of ancient gods? Or why the fall of Rome remains a key point of comparison for modern global politics? When you study Ancient Civilisations you come to understand the everchanging nature of human societies, as well as the deep continuities that bind humanity together. You will explore topics in mythology and religion, drama, history, classical epic, and many more. As such, Ancient Civilisations is dynamic and multidisciplinary: you will gain experience with ancient historiography, literary criticism, material culture, and philosophical enquiry.

We begin with surveys of the Greek and Roman cultures which introduce skills for interpreting ancient primary sources. Our intermediate units introduce you to classical scholarship and continue to deepen skills in critical analysis of primary sources. At the advanced level, you begin to engage critically with secondary scholarship and build intellectual independence by developing your own research projects. Together, the Ancient Civilisations and Ancient Languages majors make up the Classics discipline, and both majors are taught by renowned Classics lecturers.

Our major develops critical thinking, research methods, and intercultural awareness, which prepares you for a range of professional careers that require an understanding of the ethical implications of a project, long-term effects of actions or diverse experiences of policy. Areas where such skills are needed include: Politics and Policy, Education, Human Resources and Non-Government Organisations.